I consider how little man is, yet, in his own mind, how great. He is lord and master of all things, yet scarce can command anything.

In effect, to follow, not to force the public inclination; to give a direction, a form, a technical dress, and a specific sanction, to the general sense of the community, is the true end of legislature.

No men can act with effect who do not act in concert; no men can act in concert who do not act with confidence; no men can act with confidence who are not bound together with common opinions, common affections, and common interests.

He was not merely a chip off the old block, but the old block itself.

You can never plan the future by the past.

It is better to cherish virtue and humanity, by leaving much to free will, even with some loss of the object , than to attempt to make men mere machines and instruments of political benevolence. The world on the whole will gain by a liberty, without which virtue cannot exist.

Restraint and discipline and examples of virtue and justice. These are the things that form the education of the world.